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  • Suresh has the right combination of passion, talent and commitment to partner our creative and account management teams to take our creative product to the next level, says Rohit Ohri, Executive Chairman, DentsuIndia

    Suresh Mohankumar is National Planning Head @ Dentsu

    By A Correspondent

     

    Continuing with the series of senior-level appointments, the Dentsu India Group has announced the appointment of Suresh Mohankumar as National Planning Head, Dentsu Communications

     

    Based out of Bengaluru, Mr Mohankumar will lead strategic planning and brand management at Dentsu Communications across its offices inNew Delhiand Bengaluru. A seasoned planner with nearly two decades of experience, Suresh joins Dentsu from MudraIndiawhere he was Senior Vice President and Head of Planning – Mudra South.

     

    Welcoming Mr Mohankumar to Dentsu, Rohit Ohri, Executive Chairman, DentsuIndiasaid: “I’m really happy to have Suresh as a part of the leadership team of Dentsu Communications. Suresh has the right combination of passion, talent and commitment to partner our creative and account management teams to take our creative product to the next level.”

     

    Taira Kimura, Chief Operating Officer, Dentsu Communications said: “Suresh brings on board strong experience across brand, categories and regions. I have great confidence in his abilities and expertise to add value to our service deliveries and up the ante at Dentsu Communications.”

     

    On joining Team Dentsu, Suresh Mohankumar, National Planning Head, Dentsu

    Communications said: “The communications business is at a crossroads as convention increasingly gives way to real consumer engagement. That integration and media-neutral planning is the way forward and it is exactly what Dentsu believes in and I believe that Dentsu is uniquely structured to deliver that. Also as part of an organization at the cusp of an exciting transformation, I am very excited about my journey ahead and look forward to my mandate at Dentsu Communications.”

     

    Mr Mohankumar started his career in Account Management with RK Swamy/BBDO in Chennai. He worked with Contract and Lowe inBangalore. He switched to Account Planning in 2000 when he moved to Mudra Chennai. As a strategic planner he then worked with Contract and JWT in Chennai.

     

    Tanishq, BPL, Ford, Volkswagen, Carbon, MRF, Lotte, TI cycles, Henkel, Fa, Reynolds, McDowell’s, Johnson & Johnson and Lipton are some of the brands that he worked on. He cites his experience while working on Tanishq’s ‘karatmeter’ campaign as something that motivated him to become a strategic planner.

     

    A commerce graduate, Mr Mohankumar completed his MBA with a dual specialization in Marketing and Finance from T.A. Pai Management Institute (TAPMI) in 1993.

     

  • 'Unprecedented response from leading brands proves that digital is where marketing wars will be fought'

    Delegates from 15 countries to attend ad:tech New Delhi 2012

    By A Correspondent

     

    With less than ten days remaining, ad:tech, the world’s No.1 digital marketing, media and advertising event, is on its way to be oversubscribed again. ad:tech New Delhi 2012 has been registering an unprecedented number of entries from delegates, exhibitors and sponsors from all over the world, to make it even larger than last year.

     

    The event is being held over three days instead of two days as last year, and has an agenda full of insightful keynotes, panel discussions, workshops and networking opportunities. To be held between February 22 and 24 at Hotel Leela Kempinski Gurgaon, the first day of this conference and exhibition will be dedicated to in-depth master-classes on social media and search techniques for marketing professionals.

     

    The Master Classes will comprise of a hands-on, interactive workshop to provide in-depth learning on developing a web presence, digital brand building, SEO 2.0, evolution of technologies in PPC, social media monitoring, and imbibing search and social into an organization’s DNA. Leading experts from Google, Communicate2, Simplogy, Quova and Value Pitch will be conducting sessions during these pre-registered master classes.

     

    Rammohan Sundaram, Event Chairman, ad:techIndiaand Founder, CEO & Managing Director, Networkplay Media Pvt. Ltd. said: “This year is going to be a big game-changer forIndiain the digital marketing arena, and ad:tech is proud to be at the forefront in bringing the very best of minds together on one platform. We have global digital heads of top brands like Nestle and Pepsi are among the over 90 expert speakers fromIndia, APAC and the world.”

     

    Commenting on the people coming down to India to attend ad:tech, Mr Rammohan said: “Apart from India, we already have confirmations from delegates and speakers of as many as 15 countries, including USA, UK, Singapore, Australia, Japan, Indonesia, Singapore and Korea”.

     

    As the largest gathering of online marketers, the event also promises to showcase leading Indian and global brands, including Pepsi, Coca-Cola, Nestle, Hindustan Unilever Limited, Facebook, Dell, FordIndia, IBM, Nokia, Sony Entertainment Television, Bharti Airtel, LG Electronics, MTV, Linkedin, Homeshop18, Godrej Appliances, comScore, Ogilvy, Avaya, mydala.com, Yatra.com, Kotak Mahindra Group, Tata Teleservices, MotorExchange, and Domino’s Pizza.

     

    Mr Rammohan said: “We see a renewed energy among brands this year. Such an unprecedented response from brands puts to rest any doubt on the future of digital media in India, and proves that digital is the new arena where real marketing wars will be fought, and probably much sooner than we expect.”

     

    Besides the master classes, this year’s ad:tech will also feature an exclusive exhibition area for start-up companies in the digital space, which is almost full booked already.

     

    ad:tech, world’s No. 1 digital marketing ,media & advertising event made its successful debut inIndiain April 2011, withNew Delhi being the first city to host the two day event. With 10 shows in 7 countries, ad:tech has been providing media, marketing and technology professionals with the tools and techniques required to succeed in a changing digital world for over a decade.

     

  • The channel, #1 in affluent India, is fastest growing amongst all international news channels

    BBC World News is the No 1 international English news channel

    By A Correspondent

     

    The latest Ipsos PAX survey (Q4 2010-Q3 2011) shows that BBC World News is the top international English news channel in India, and the fastest growing across all international news channels.

     

    BBC World News is also shown to be the most watched international news channel (35 per cent) amongst the evolved, upmarket audiences, including the affluent, business decision makers and top management consumers. The channel is also the most watched news channel amongst key audiences – thought leaders, international flyers and car owners. BBC World News viewers also have combined investments of US$8 bn.

     

    Sunita Rajan, Senior Vice President, BBC Advertising at BBC Worldwide News said: “This study shows that BBC World News is going from strength to strength acrossIndia. With such an amazing year ahead for international news, we’re pleased that the channel continues to reach so many audiences throughout the region.”

     

    The Ipsos PAX study surveys international and local media consumption and product consumption among affluent adults and business professionals in the Indian cities of Mumbai,DelhiandBangalore. The latest survey covers Q4 2010 to Q3 2011.

     

    BBC World News, the BBC’s commercially funded international 24-hour news and information channel, is owned and operated by BBC World News Ltd, a member of the BBC’s commercial group of companies. BBC World News is available in more than 200 countries and territories worldwide, and over 300 million households.

     

  • Positioned as the ultimate music destination, the music offers a strong platform to artists, both international and Indian

    BIG CBS Spark goes musical for Gen Next

    By A Correspondent

     

    For most youth today music is a lifeline and BIG CBS Spark, in keeping with the needs of its Gen Next viewers, is coming out with some of the hottest and power-packed music-based shows. In its endeavour to sharpen the channel’s musical offering, the channel brings music based shows – Hip Hop MCs, Indie Rock Mania and Hot Hitz for its young audiences.

     

    Apart from urban-international music, BIG CBS Spark will also introduce fresh Indian music blocks ranging from hip-hop, rock, pop, folk, world, brass, chamber music, latest hits and more. The music segments will complement the existing shows like Cheaters, Max, Smash Cards, Oblivious and Real TV.

     

    In connecting with its audiences on ground, BIG CBS Spark will also feature college festivals, music concerts, youth fests, music launches and the likes. The channel will also offer a platform for young and upcoming artists to be showcased on the channel.

     

    With the youth as their audiences, the channel will see heavy use of social media to connect with audiences and already has in place a series of communications on the digital platform to engage with them.

     

    The sharpening of music content also comes from a deep understanding and in-depth research of what the audiences seek for entertainment. In gearing for digitization which is in the anvil, the channel is ensuring that it caters to the requirements of quality and variety for audiences while offering a value proposition to its operator-partners. This new offering compliments Reliance Broadcast Network’s recently launched ‘Choose Your Set-Top-Box Wisely’ campaign, which is designed to increase awareness and empower consumers with adequate information to make the right choice while choosing their set top boxes, while also enabling operators to build their brand equity.

     

    A joint venture between Reliance Broadcast Network Limited and CBS Studios International, BIG CBS Networks has changed the way English language television entertainment is served to Indian audiences. The JV launched 3 English language entertainment channels, marking not just RBNL’s, but the Reliance Group’s entry into the television broadcasting space and CBS Corporation’s channel entry into India.

     

    The themed channels targeted at India’s fast-growing, upwardly mobile population are BIG CBS Prime, BIG CBS Spark and BIG CBS Love.
    Reliance Broadcast Network Limited has a multi-media play in the spaces of Radio, Television, Intellectual Property, Out of Home and Television Production, and specializes in creating & executing integrated solutions for clients, across the country. CBS Studios International, the leading supplier of programming to the international television marketplace, is a division of CBS Corporation,

     

  • We found in M&C Saatchi a partner who has the strategy, market analysis, creative expression all figured out just right for W, says Anant Daga, CEO, TCNS Clothing Company Pvt. Ltd.

    M&C Saatchi bags creative mandate for W

    By A Correspondent

     

    The year has begun on an exciting note for W – the leading Indian contemporary ready-to-wear brand for women. The brand appointed M&C Saatchi to carry out their creative duties.

     

    Speaking on the creative association, Anant Daga, CEO, TCNS Clothing Company Pvt. Ltd. said: “We were impressed by M&C Saatchi’s in-depth understanding of the women’s apparel market and the target consumer. We found in M&C Saatchi a partner who has the strategy, market analysis, creative expression all figured out just right for W. Indian women’s wear market is large, unorganized and untapped. Being a leading women’s wear brand, W is well positioned to capitalize on this opportunity and with M&C Saatchi we look towards achieving greater successes for the brand.”

     

    The advancement was confirmed by Anjali Nayar, CEO, M&C Saatchi: “It was a great start to the year. And we are excited about having added W to our portfolio. With retail growing at this pace, we see a lot of scope to do some interesting work together.”

     

    Commenting on this advancement, Richa Sinha, Executive Creative Director, M&C Saatchi, said: “We are happy to have got W as it is a brand that’s close to our heart. What makes W so special is the fact that the brand truly embodies the true spirit of the modern Indian woman and doesn’t believe in slotting women in their clichéd roles.”

     

    Rupin Jayal, Head – Strategy & Planning, M& C Saatchi said: “W is a brand that is unique in representing the aspirations and identity of contemporary Indian women. With its blend of international influences framed within Indian silhouettes, W has the potential of becoming an iconic brand.”

     

    W, a part of TCNS Clothing Pvt. Ltd, designs, manufactures and retails fashionable garments for the Indian women. It is the pioneer in introducing the concept of ‘Mix-n-Match’ in retail and has long been known for its fits and exotic inspirations. W is present in 40 cities across the country with 100 exclusive stores.

     

    M&C Saatchi Communications is one of the world’s youngest and fastest growing global advertising agency networks, with offices in 22 cities across 15 countries. It is founded on the principle of Brutal Simplicity of Thought, with all offices grounded in an entrepreneurial spirit. With offices in Mumbai andDelhi, M&C SaatchiIndiais now an agency of choice for leading entrepreneurs.

     

  • New tournament to feature 21 days of non-stop action, with over 100 hours of matches from February 9-29, 2012

    ESPN STAR Sports to Broadcast Inaugural Bangladesh Premier League

    By A Correspondent

     

    Asia’s top sports content provider, ESPN STAR Sports (ESS) on Thursday announced the broadcast of the much-awaited inauguralBangladeshPremier League (BPL) from February 9-29 on STAR Cricket and STAR Sports.

     

    As the biggest cricketing event inBangladesh, BPL will bring all the glitz and glamour of T20, featuring some of the top names in cricket from around the globe with 21 days of non-stop world-class cricket action and entertainment.

     

    As the definitive rights holder of the best in international sporting events, ESPN STAR Sports will showcase this exciting new T20 event to cricket lovers across Asia, along with Channel 9, which will broadcast the tournament inBangladesh.

     

    With the match action kicking off on February 10, the first edition of theBangladeshPremier League will feature six teams that will play each other twice in a round-robin format of over 33 matches held inChittagongandDhaka. Each team will feature a stellar mix of a leading icon player fromBangladeshalong with current T20 stars and cricketing greats, some of which are listed below.

     

    BarisalBurners Shahriar Nafees Bangladesh- Icon player
    Brad Hodge Australia
    Chris Gayle West Indies
    ChittagongKings Tamim Iqbal Bangladesh- Icon player
    Shoaib Malik Pakistan
    Mutthaya Murlidharan Sri Lanka
    Dwayne Bravo West Indies
    KhulnaRoyal Bengals Shakib Al Hasan Bangladesh- Icon player
    Nasir Hossain Bangladesh
    Herschelle Gibbs South Africa
    Sanath Jayasuriya Sri Lanka
    S Chanderpaul West Indies
    Sylhet Royals Alok Kapali Bangladesh- Icon player
    Naeem Islam Bangladesh
    Kamran Akmal Pakistan
    Darren Sammy West Indies
    Brad Hogg Australia
    DhakaGladiators Mohammad Ashraful Bangladesh- Icon player
    Nazim Uddin Bangladesh
    Saeed Ajmal Pakistan
    Shahid Afridi Pakistan
    Keiron Pollard West Indies
    Duronto Rajshahi Mushfiqur Rahim Bangladesh- Icon player
    Zunaed Siddique Bangladesh
    Abdul Razzaq Pakistan
    Marlon Samuels West Indies

     

     

    “We are delighted to support the expansion of T20 toBangladeshby bringing this exciting new tournament to cricket fans inAsia. As the rights holder for some of the globe’s best cricket events, including ICC World T20, CL T20, India-Australia test matches, ODI tri-series betweenAustralia,IndiaandSri Lanka, and England-Australia ODIs, we are pleased to addBangladeshPremier League to our portfolio of top cricket coverage,” said Joyee Biswas, Director, Programming of ESPN STAR Sports.

     

    “As the first GEC of Bangladesh with a mix of Sports and Entertainment, and the producer of BPL T20, we are pleased to partner with ESPN STAR Sports to bring BPL to cricket lovers and look forward to a long term relationship,” said Enayetur Rahman, Managing Director of Channel 9.

     

    Running from February 9-29, the tournament will feature a mix of 1-2 matches per day. On days when two games are played, the first match will begin at 2pm local time followed by the second match at 6.30pm. In addition to the Icon player fromBangladesh, each team is allowed 9 foreign players, 5 of who can play per match per team.

     

    ESPN STAR Sports showcases an unparalleled variety of premier sports from around the globe featuring some of the most iconic sports events to viewers across 24 countries inAsia. ESPN STAR Sports operates from itsSingaporeheadquarters and has regional offices across six countries in Asia (China,Hong Kong,Taiwan,India,Malaysia,South Korea). ESPN STAR Sports features a comprehensive portfolio of multimedia assets including its 25 television channels, 3 broadband networks, digital content services, and its on-ground Event Management group.

     

     

     

  • Bloggers need to submit an original and unpublished article on "Digital Marketing- What's in Store for 2012" in up to 800 words, along with their short bio and credentials by February 12

    ad:tech New Delhi 2012 hunts for the best Indian blog entry on digital marketing

    By A Correspondent

     

    The second edition of the world’s No.1 digital marketing, media and advertising event, ad:tech New Delhi 2012, is inviting entries for the ‘Best Blog Entry’ contest.

     

    Bloggers need to submit an original and unpublished article on “Digital Marketing- What’s in Store for 2012″ in up to 800 words, along with their short bio and credentials, by February 12t, 2012. Entries may be emailed to bloggercontest@networkplay.in.

     

    Shortlisted blogs will be put up on the official social media channels of ad:tech New Delhi 2012 and will compete against each other in a poll to get the maximum number of likes and retweets. The blog with the maximum public support will be adjudged the ‘Best Blog Entry’ which will entitle the blogger to an all access pass to the three day exhibition and conference.

     

    ad:techNew Delhiis being held at The Leela Kempinski in Gurgaon from February 22-24. It will provide the winning blogger once-in-a-lifetime chance to meet globally respected advertising and marketing experts, and to present his or her thoughts on digital marketing.

     

    This year’s ad:tech will have participation of over 70 digital marketing companies, more than 2,500 delegates and experts from the digital marketing fraternity. Promising to be bigger, better and bolder than ever, ad:tech New Delhi 2012 already has a glittering line up of keynote addresses by Shiv Singh, Global Head of Digital, PepsiCo Beverages; Pete Blackshaw, Global Head of Digital Marketing and Social Media, Nestle; Arvind Rajan, Managing Director & Vice President, Asia Pacific and Japan, LinkedIn; Gian M. Fulgoni, Executive Chairman & Co-Founder, comScore, Inc; Satyan Gajwani, Director – New Media, BCCL; Richard Dunmall, Vice President, Global Accounts & Agencies, Microsoft Advertising; and Kent Wertime, President and Representative Director, Ogilvy & Mather (Japan) K. K., Chief Operating Officer, Ogilvy Asia Pacific.

     

    The winning blogger will also get a chance to hear over 80 leading experts in various panel discussions and sponsored workshops, and attend the vast exhibition of the latest technologies in digital marketing. ad:tech New Delhi 2012 is also inviting and evaluating nominations for the official blogger for the event.

     

  • Introduces first-of-its-kind marketing innovation designed by graduates from NID, IIT Powai and Disney's creative team

    Disney XD thrills kids with its attention-grabbing consumer outreach

    By A Correspondent

     

    Disney XD has introduced a first-of-its-kind, 3D-remote controlled model of Disney XD’s lead character Kick Buttowski – Suburban Daredevil as part of its consumer outreach programme in select markets.

     

    A team comprising the best future minds in design and robotics – graduates from National Institute of Design (NID) and robotics students from Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Powai – have created this unique model under the supervision of Disney’s creative team. Their unique creation – a remote controlled life size model of Kick Buttowski on a skateboard will be making appearances at malls across 10 cities in the next few weeks.

     

    “Interactive experiences that connect with kids and families at multiple-levels have always been the centerpiece of our marketing activities. This first-of-its-kind innovation complements our recently launched language feeds in Marathi and Bengali, first for a kid’s channel,” said Bikram Duggal, Director, Marketing, Walt Disney Television International India.

     

    “Our consumer campaign with Kick Buttowski and Spiderman riding on the back of a strong content push is already showing an upswing in the reach and GRPs of Disney XD in Hindi Speaking Markets (HSM),” he added.

     

    This life-like model skates unaided by itself, catching kids by surprise and giving them a true Disney XD ‘moment’ of action, comedy and adventure. The 3D model grooves to the music from the series soundtrack.

     

    The marketing team at Disney wanted to create a unique and world class Disney XD experience for kids. The NID and IIT graduates were tasked with bringing alive Kick Buttowski in the form of a life-sized action figure, keeping in mind his persona and physical traits, and add some fun and surprise element for kids and their families. This element of surprise gave birth to the idea of making him move around in the mall atrium and follow kids. This was made possible through the inputs of robotics students from IIT Powai, who worked to attach a special motor with a remote control allowing Kick to tail kids on his skateboard.

     

    Meanwhile Disney XD continues its prolific run as a leader in the South markets and has shown increasing traction in the Hindi Speaking Markets (HSM). The first channel to launch a six language feed, Disney XD recently announced the launch of Bengali and Marathi feeds to consolidate its presence in the north markets.

     

    Disney XD India is a multi-platform brand showcasing a compelling mix of live-action and animated programming for kids aged 6-14, hyper-targeting boys and their quest for discovery, accomplishment, sports, adventure and humor.

     

  • With this move, Flipkart has firmly established itself as the leader in the consumer electronic space

    Flipkart acquires Letsbuy

    By A Correspondent

     

    Flipkart.com has acquired Letsbuy, the second largest retailer in electronics. With this move, Flipkart has firmly established itself as the leader in the consumer electronic space. This deal will also allow for a faster rate of expansion for both companies, giving the combined entity a much larger share in the consumer electronics market.

     

    The acquisition is a combination of cash and equity. The founders of Letsbuy along with their 350+ team will continue to function independently, with the added advantage of being able to access Flipkart’s superior technology platform and supply chain capabilities.

     

    Speaking about the acquisition, Flipkart’s co-founder and CEO Sachin Bansal said: “This acquisition fits into our strategy of building dominant shares in all categories we operate in. We are already leaders in the books and media verticals. Given that we managed to build a leadership position in consumer electronics as well since its launch in early 2011, it made sense for us to consolidate when we saw this opportunity. This acquisition opportunity came at a very attractive price for us and the timing has also been ideal. The synergies will now allow us to accelerate faster and get to share similar to what we enjoy in the online books category.”

     

    Letsbuy.com founder & CEO Hitesh Dhingra said: “Letsbuy.com has experienced a phenomenal growth in the last one year and holds a dominant position in e-commerce industry inIndia. We believe that our expertise in 3Cs category matched with Flipkart’s superior technology and supply chain could be a killer combination. The company had a choice to raise a large round of funding as well, however aligning our business with the largest player in the market made sense as the resultant synergies will guarantee our customers the best possible service, price and selection.”

     

    While the finer details on mutual synergies are being worked out by both teams at present, the move has been welcomed by investors of both firms. Helion, the lead investor in Letsbuy.com has said it believes that the combined strength of the two leading players is formidable and will be able to deliver a stronger value proposition to customers.

     

    Letsbuy.com, started by Hitesh Dhingra and Amanpreet Bajaj in 2009, has built a strong presence for itself in the consumer electronics space in short span of time. It has strong relationship with over 400 brands in this category.

     

  • PR – Interface or Interference? is the theme of the conclave to be hosted by the Public Relations Council of India (PRCI)

    Media, PR professionals to debate ethics at global conclave

    By A Correspondent

     

    With the role of Public Relations professionals coming under scanner in the context of the 2G scam, a global conclave of PR professionals, to be held on February 13 at Trident, Mumbai, will debate the various issues concerning them.

     

    PR – Interface or Interference? is the theme of the conclave to be hosted by the Public Relations Council of India (PRCI). “We expect over 250 PR and media professionals and academicians to attend the conclave,” said M B Jayaram, Chairman emeritus and chief mentor of PRCI.

     

    Veteran media and PR professional Mr B N Kumar, who is also the conclave chairman and head of Mumbai chapter of PRCI, said: “The conclave assumes significance in view of the debates on its theme and panel discussions on social and digital media and government and political public relations.”

     

    Maharashtra DGP Mr K Subramanyam will inaugurate the conclave while veteran jiournalist-editor Mr H K Dua will deliver the key note address. Others speakers include Mrs Rajashree Birla, Chairperson, The Aditya Birla Centre for Community Initiatives and Rural Development, Mr Tony Good, Executive Chairman, Good Relations and veteran journalists Mr Ayaz Memon, Mr Kumar Ketkar and Mr D K Raikar.

     

    Importance of PR and corporate communications is growing in leaps and bounds. The profession is no longer what it was even a couple of years back and the technological advancement in the present digital world has added a new challenging dimension to the profession. With the availability of new tools for communication and PR, the corporate communication or PR professionals runs the risk of being outdated if they become complacent even for a short time.

     

    “Add to this, the dilution of media ethics, the growth of investigative journalism, the fight for eye ball share, the TRP focus, and the high cost of square millimeters in print and millisecond on TV and you have yet another dimension to the profession,” said Mr Jayaram.

     

    The conclave will thus offer thought leadership and empower the PR practitioners to upgrade their skills and knowledge to manage communication. This conclave is also an opportunity to meet some high profile communication experts of national and international distinction, and exploring the immense potential of PR, he added.

     

    Another highlight of the conclave is the presentation of its signature annual Chanakya Awards and PR Hall of Fame recognitions. There will another set of awards for corporate collaterals like annual reports calendars and communication campaigns.

     

    PRCI is a national body of Public Relations, Corporate Communications, Advertising and Media Practitioners, Event Managers and academicians. Established in 2004, PRCI strives to enrich the professional development of media practitioners and provide networking opportunities to further the course of the profession. With its headquarters atBangalore, PRCI has 21 active chapters and many more are in the offing.

     

  • Available in twenty languages, 'The Serenade' is designed to put love in the air and smiles on faces around the world

    Heineken lets you ‘serenade’ that special someone Live on YouTube

    By A Correspondent

     

    Heineken is helping ignite romance this Valentine’s Day with the launch of a fun new Facebook application called ‘The Serenade’. Based on the brand’s second global film ‘The Date,’ the new app enables Heineken consumers to send humorous personalized songs to potential partners, inviting them on a date.

     

    Available in twenty languages, ‘The Serenade’ is designed to put love in the air and smiles on faces around the world. Millions of adult consumers across the globe will be able to participate and create their own Serenade songs via Heineken’s Facebook page.

     

    ‘The Serenade’ is part of the brand’s ‘Open Your World’ global campaign which celebrates and encourages aspirational behaviours among adult consumers. It follows the recent launch of ‘The Date’, which celebrated a man taking a woman on a legendary date, set to the catchy 1960’s Bollywood track, Jaan Pehechaan Ho by Mohammed Rafi. Through the app the same band that appeared in the ad will create songs for Heineken fans.

     

    “The Serenade is designed to take some of the stress out of asking a partner to go on a date. It’s fun, interactive and guaranteed to make an impression” said Cyril Charzat, Senior Director, Global Heineken Brand. “We are committed to connecting with our adult consumers both on and offline. The Serenade is one more positive example of how we are doing this.”

     

    Co-developed with advertising agency Wieden+Kennedy Amsterdam, consumers can create their own fully personalized Serenade for a date in just 4 clicks. With a total of 640 different Serenades available, consumers should be able to find the legendary Serenade that will bring them romance. Mark Bernath, Executive Creative Director from W+K Amsterdam said: “In a way, we want people to be in the films we make. The idea of giving our drinkers the band from the spot to help them ask someone out is our way to make that happen for real. Let’s hope we make a load of offers that can’t be refused.”

     

    On February 9, Heineken will host “Serenade Live”, nine-hour YouTube event, during which individuals around the world will get the chance to serenade the object of their heart’s desire live online, which will hopefully lead to a host of many  successful dates.

     

    To watch The Date: [youtube width=”400″ height=”200″]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=57zo8O5pDXc[/youtube]

     

    The event will feature 50 live personalized Serenades. A select number of Heineken fans were selected to create a Serenade that was written specifically for each couple and will be performed by Paul “Kiss” Kissaun and The Serenades, the singer and band that will be immortalized in the popular Heineken commercial “The Date.” Each couple will tune into the live event via Skype and their reactions will be broadcast live to the public. (Timing forIndia: 11.30pm – 8.30am).

     

  • Myntra.com, the largest online retailer of fashion and lifestyle products inIndia, is aiming revenue of Rs500 crores in the financial year 2012-13. The company, which entered the lifestyle and fashion retailing segment in December 2010

    Myntra targets Rs 500 cr revenue for next fiscal

    By A Correspondent

     

    Myntra.com, the largest online retailer of fashion and lifestyle products inIndia, is aiming revenue of Rs500 crores in the financial year 2012-13. The company, which entered the lifestyle and fashion retailing segment in December 2010, has registered a 10-fold growth in 2011 and is, relatively, the fastest growing company in the e-commerce space inIndia.

     

    Mr. Mukesh Bansal (Founder & CEO) said: “Myntra has undergone phenomenal growth in the last 12 months and has emerged as the clear leader in Fashion/Lifestyle space. We have now reached a scale where we ship up to 10,000 products every day. We are planning to cross revenue of Rs500 crores in FY 2012-13, which will further strengthen Myntra’s leadership position in the lifestyle category. This is an exciting category with the total market size projected to be over $100 billion in 5 years with mid-single digit portion being online, making this, possibly the largest online category inIndia.”

     

    He added: “We have built the largest catalogue in fashion & lifestyle category with over 200 brands, have very extensive supply-chain capabilities, including world-class warehouse in multiple cities and our own logistics network in large cities. We will continue to invest aggressively in our technology platform, supply-chain and the Myntra brand to rapidly scaling the business.”

     

    The e-commerce company has received overall funding of $40 million through top-tier venture capitalists like Tiger Global, IndoUS, IDG & Accel Partners.

     

    Myntra.com is among the Top 5 e-commerce companies with over 2,00,000 daily visitors to the site. The company has already reached out to 10,000 zip codes across the country and is constantly expanding its network to support the growing demand.